TSA PreCheck Hits New Record With More Than 20 Million Users
The Trusted Traveler program launched in 2013.
Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
Twenty million travelers have signed up for TSA PreCheck, setting a new record for the ever-popular expedited security program.
The milestone comes as the total number of active members surpassed the 20 million mark on Thursday, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). That’s the highest ever for the program, which launched in 2013.
“More travelers than ever are using TSA PreCheck because of its value, ease and efficiency,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. “TSA PreCheck continues to be one of our most innovative risk-based security solutions, providing the benefit of shorter wait times of under 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security… The consistent growth of the TSA PreCheck program is a testament to its popularity and success.”
In all, the TSA said more than 40 million travelers have signed up for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Trusted Traveler programs, which include TSA PreCheck as well as Global Entry, among others.
Approved travelers who are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program are allowed to leave their shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave their laptops and liquids in their bags when going through airport security. To apply, travelers must fill out an application online and then schedule an in-person interview. Once enrolled, the program is valid for five years.
The DHS has authorized several private companies to act as enrollment and renewal centers, including biometric company Clear.
The agency also allows children 12 and younger to accompany their parents or guardians who are enrolled in the program into the PreCheck lane. And last year, the TSA started allowing teenagers 13 to 17 to do the same if they are traveling on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck mark on their boarding pass.
The TSA is constantly adding new airlines to the program, which now includes more than 100 international and domestic carriers.
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